Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – pFriem Schwarzbier by pFriem Family Brewers

Schwarzbier | Limited Release | USA

By Brad Darnell

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 19

pFriem Schwarzbier by pFriem Family Brewers was judged according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines, Category 8B – Schwarzbier.
A beautiful dark brown beer with lighter brown highlights supports a large, rocky light beige head. The head retention persists well over a minute while only losing half its height. The upfront aroma is of medium roasted malt that’s quite inviting and smooth with light chocolate notes and low earthy hops. The flavor follows similarly to the aroma with the roast a touch higher than in the aroma. The hops are restrained but present at medium-low levels and bring a lightly herbal and floral note.
A clean lager fermentation fits the style well and provides a malt-forward beer that has medium-low hop bitterness to complement the roast bitterness, neither of which are astringent. A dry finish closes out the flavor with lingering roastiness. Featuring a medium body and medium-high carbonation, this is quite drinkable.
Overall, a classic representation of the style that is on the lower side of hop bitterness. Standard German fare should accompany this lager.